Keep off non-believers from religious admn: Chandy

Pathanamthitta, Dec 15 (UNI) Leader of in the Kerala assembly Oommen Chandy today alleged that the current problems plaguing Sabarimala shrine have its genesis in the 'terrorism' engendered by the ''interference of non-believers'' in religious affairs.

Delivering the keynote address at the 'Janakeeya Koottayma' held here in protest against the ''indifference'' shown by the government and the Travancore Devaswom Board towards the plight of Sabarimala pilgrims he alleged that the Left Democratic Front (LDF) Government sabotaged even the meagre facilities being availed by Ayyappa devotees.

Chief Minister V S Achuthananadan was blissfully oblivous of the goings on in Sabarimala and, hence, his crucial intervention was conspicuous by its absence.

''Sabarimala is nothing but the part and parcel of state's ethos.

It is an everlasting testimony to the cultural heritage and the religious amity being cherished by the people of Kerala.'' The number of pilgrims, who visited Ayyappa Temple equalled the population of the state, he said and added that it was the duty of the state government to ensure the welfare of the pilgrims.

KPCC President Ramesh Chennithala suggested setting up of an autonomous body to administer the Lord Ayyappa Temple. The administrative body should be modelled after the Tirumala-Tirupati Devasthanam and ''it should have believers as members.'' Mr Chennithala said the temple must be delinked from the Travancore Devaswom Board.

UNI